St. Francis of Assisi: An Enduring Model of Peace

Tiskilwa, IL – In the early 13th Century, St. Francis of Assisi lived his life in harmony with the Gospels of Jesus Christ and promoted a message of peace, forgiveness, and harmony. Francis’ teachings are as relevant today as they were in his lifetime, and appeal to all Christian believers regardless of denomination.

All are invited to the Willow Springs Mennonite Church Retreat, Saturday, 6:00 pm and Sunday, April 28 at 9:30 am to reflect on St. Francis and our lives.

In three sessions, we will learn about the life and times of St. Francis, the environment and events that inspired his message; we will look at the values and virtues that Francis preached to his followers; and explore together what Francis’ vision means for us in the 21st century.

Your guide in these conversations is Sister Glenna Czachor, OSF, a Wheaton Franciscan Sister with more than 25 years experience in group facilitation and retreat leadership, specializing in contemplative prayer and worship, scripture study, and creative spirituality. She holds a Masters of Pastoral Studies from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and is a graduate of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction of Tuscon, AZ.

The retreat starts with a carry-in meal at 6:00 pm on Saturday.  Bring a dish to pass.  For more information contact wsmenno@juno.com or Cal Zehr 815-646-4819.  Willow Springs Mennonite Church is located at 16621 Kentville Road, Tiskilwa.

It is your turn!

Church revitalization begins with telling a different story. But that’s not all.

It also requires you (and every you in the church).

It requires you because…

1.) It’s your turn! It’s your turn to engage in risky love, to extend radical hospitality, to proclaim the gospel with words and actions, to do what Jesus said, to clothe and feed and give a drink to the naked, hungry, and thirsty. You are not on the bench or even on deck. You’re up to bat. You’re on stage and they are about to open the curtain. The concert started and it’s time for your solo.

2.) There is no one else!  No one else can step into the opportunities that you have. Other’s can’t love the people in your life on your behalf. They can’t extend hospitality to the neighbor or stranger at your door. They can’t proclaim the gospel with your voice and life. They can’t do what Jesus taught for you. They cannot provide clothes, food, and water for those in need around you on your behalf. Your opportunities are uniquely yours.

3.) You are more than enough! Jesus prepared you to do this. The Spirit is working ahead of you. The Spirit is empowering you. The Spirit gives you every gift needed to do the good works God has in store for you. You are ready for such a time as this.

Are you responsible?

Are you able-to-respond to the opportunity that is yours? Will you take the opportunity to participate fully in what God is doing, in and through Jesus, by the Spirit, for the world?

It is not easy. It is not always fun. There are no guarantees.

Yet, Jesus points us to a kingdom that is worth the risk. 

Church revitalization happens when people in the church take responsibility for the mission that is uniquely theirs.

There are no short cuts. There are no workarounds or hacks. There is only the work of being present and responsible for the opportunities before you. A vital church is a collection of people, doing the daily work of living into their calling, as they follow Jesus together.

“The habits we groove…”

Today on Seth’s blog, he made a point that is useful for congregations.  He wrote:

Who are we seeking to become?

We get what we invest in. The time we spend comes back, with interest.

If you practice five minutes of new, difficult banjo music every day, you’ll become a better banjo player. If you spend a little bit more time each day whining or feeling ashamed, that behavior will become part of you. The words you type, the people you hang with, the media you consume…

The difference between who you are now and who you were five years ago is largely due to how you’ve spent your time along the way.

The habits we groove become who we are, one minute at a time. A small thing, repeated, is not a small thing.

[And the same thing is true for brands, organizations and movements.]

If you look at your congregation and scratch your head, asking “How did we get here?” There is an answer. The answer is found in how you have spent your time back there. It’s pretty predictable, really.

It’s predictable, really. Jesus said that we reap what we sow. But it’s not just the big things, it’s the myriad little things over time.

What habits are you grooving as a congregation? How did you spend your time over the last five years to get you to the point you are today? What new grooves do you need to create today to get where you want to be five years from now?

If you’re curious about creating missional grooves, check out this approach from Michael Frost.

Click here to see Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People